by Kimberly Meenen, Assistant Editor
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

Ear infections can cause a host of problems for your pet including
pain and, if severe, hearing damage. Malassezia pachydermatitis
(yeast) infections commonly plague the ears of dogs and cats.

According to Dr. Cynthia Ramsey, Community Practice Veterinarian
at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
at Urbana, the yeast organism is a normal inhabitant of the ear
in low numbers. "An infection occurs when a pet's ear is
traumatized due to excessive scratching or excessive moisture
or wax buildup," she says. "Such conditions cause the
yeast to grow in large numbers."

Old. Young. It doesn't matter. No cat or dog is immune to
yeast ear infections. She points out that infections are more
common in dogs than cats. Some veterinarians believe droopy-eared
dogs or dogs that swim frequently are more prone to yeast infections
because moisture gets trapped inside the ear.

If you notice your pet scratching its ears excessively, shaking
or tilting its head, it may have a yeast infection. A "sweet-smelling"
odor from the ear or waxy buildup in the ear are also signs of
a potential problem and warrant a visit to your pet's veterinarian.

Your veterinarian may sample the waxy buildup and examine
it under a microscope. If organisms exist in large numbers, topical
ear drops may be prescribed. Pet owners may also have to flush
the ear wax from the ear using prescribed ear cleansers. Your
veterinarian can show you how to do this before you leave the
clinic. Some veterinarians may advise using a 50/50 solution
consisting of white vinegar and water to flush the ear. Check
with your veterinarian for recommendations and exact dosages.

Sometimes ear infections will recur after successful treatment.
Primary inhalant or food allergies causing secondary ear infections
should be considered. But usually, with proper treatment, a yeast
infection can be cleared up within two weeks. Contact your veterinarian
about testing for allergies should ear infections recur.

Dr. Ramsey advises not to use cotton swabs to clean the ear
canal. "Cotton swabs tend to pack the ear wax further down
into the ear canal," she explains. "Use a cotton ball
or soft gauze sponge instead."

Because long standing ear infections can cause damage to the
eardrum, never use leftover medications or try to treat an ear
infection without consulting a veterinarian. Permanent hearing
loss or brain irritation may result.

Unfortunately, there's no way to prevent your cat or dog from
developing a yeast ear infection. However, early detection is
key. Always ask your veterinarian to examine your pet's ears
during checkups, she concludes.